Christmas Tradition

Many families have traditions that are either passed down through the generations or have begun and blossomed into new traditions. Our favorite family tradition began many years ago when Dad placed a small package in the toe of both mine and Nikki's stocking. I remember touching the tiny package through the stocking fabric trying to solve the mystery present. Dad immediately made a rule about not peeking inside.~

We were so excited about this stocking stuffer and pondered for hours about what it could be. On our next shopping trip, Nikki and I purchased a small trinket and snuck it into Mom and Dad's stocking. Thus, our tradition began.


Over the years, the stockings were upgraded, Dad actually drew a free hand pattern and sewed our current stockings. Yep, Dad sewed them, not Mom! Of course, they think of everything and made a few extras for a future grandchild and/or son-in-law. There was also that one year that Dad found a huge 5' stocking for Mom. We sure tried to fill that one up! Here's what the stockings look like as it gets closer to Christmas. (This picture is from last year.) They are bulging with little happies!


We typically open our presents on Christmas Eve, but over the years we've learned to enjoy the anticipation of waiting until Christmas Day. After all the main gifts are exchanged we take a snack break. Then we'll take down our stockings from the mantle and sit around the floor with our huge stuffed stockings between our legs. Mom usually goes first, pulling a present out to open and then we'll go around the room opening them all one at a time, taking turns. It takes hours to open everything one at a time and we love it!

p.s. That mystery present that we couldn't ever figure out....it was a $50 dollar bill folded up into a quarter sized square and wrapped with gift wrap! It's a wonder we didn't tear it, trying to open it.

p.s.s. I called Mom tonight and the first thing I asked was, "Whose stocking is the fullest?"


What's your favorite Christmas tradition?